Buying Your First Guitar

Have You Ever Read Harry Potter?

Remember that bit in the first book about how "the wand chooses the wizard"? That is exactly what it's like. You'll know when you're holding the right guitar for you when all of your hair stands on end and a stream of golden sparkly magic shoots out from the headstock.

Ok, I'm joking. Guitars are special, though, and the relationship you have with yours will largely define your experience of learning how to play, so choosing a good first guitar is important. You need to love the way it feels in your hands, and if you find yourself daydreaming about how awesome you look holding it, all the better. The cacophonous "bro show" atmosphere of most guitar shops can be a real nightmare for beginners, though, so it's a good idea to bring someone along with you who knows what they're doing and can act as a guide.

Let's Go Guitar Shopping!

After your introductory lesson, if you decide to reserve a regular time slot and you'd like help buying a guitar, we'll book a time to go shopping together. I'll be your guide through the wild world of East Bay guitar shops. It'll be like an expedition into deepest, darkest Peru, but with bag checks instead of border patrols and heavy metal histrionics instead of howling monkeys.*

*There is, sometimes, a difference.

For Those Who'd Rather Go Solo

Some folks just do better on their own. Don't just run out there unprepared, though.Download this excellent book and skip straight to the section on buying your first guitar.

Dave Wirth is an elegant and accomplishedguitarist and a top-notch guitar teacher.He lives and works in Austin, Texas, and he'swritten two excellent books for new players.

This book is a must-read for all those whowant to learn how to play guitar. It's packedwith expert advice on how to buy your firstguitar, how to know which accessories areworth considering, how to choose the rightteacher for you, how to practice, and more.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go!

Having your guitar set up is an option that many new players don't even know exists. A "setup" for a guitar is like a tuneup for your car - it makes your music machine more reliable, easier to use, and a lot more fun to play. Guitar shops usually have technicians on staff. If you find a guitar you like but there's something funny about the way it sounds, then describe what you're hearing to a salesperson and ask if they'd set it up to see if that fixes the problem. You won't be obligated to buy the guitar afterwards, so don't worry.

If they don't have a technician (it's lame, but it happens) and you still really want the guitar, then find out if the shop has a reasonable return policy. If they do, then buy it, keep the receipt, and take it here:

Rob Brown is an excellent guitar tech. He's friendly, honest, and easy to talk to, and his work is solid. He'll let you know whether or not that new guitar is worth it. If not, just return it - no harm, no foul, and no regrets.